More video and less CV: that's how Mornington got a more efficient recruitment process

From Chaos to Order

Christina reveals that before they started using Higher's tools, Mornington lacked a structured recruitment process. Each new recruitment was handled differently depending on the manager in charge, with applications stored in various folders without any overview.

Nowadays, all of Mornington's vacant positions are posted on a tailored candidate page on Higher, linked from Mornington's website. Candidates apply by filling in their details, answering carefully selected questions, and optionally recording a short video of themselves. The entire application takes just a few minutes and can be done directly on a mobile device.

All applications are then collected in a single platform, where Christina and her colleagues can log in and choose which candidates they want to proceed with. They can also provide feedback to candidates via email and text directly from the tool.

"Working with Higher's recruitment tool was truly a transformation from chaos to order. It's incredibly user-friendly, anyone can understand how it works right away. It's 'drag and drop', allowing us to sort candidates based on whether they should be called for an interview, saved for later, or completely eliminated. Everyone internally logs in to the same place and can follow the processes, discuss different candidates, and determine who would be the best fit for each hotel. It's highly efficient. Now that I've started using the tool, I can't imagine working without it."

"The tool truly helps us quickly bring in the employees we need. It provides us with a highly accurate initial screening, saving us a lot of time and money."

Christina Hamrin

General Manager, Mornington Hotels

Effective Initial Screening

Mornington began their collaboration with Higher at the end of 2019, just before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, which forced them to pause all recruitment. When it was time to restart after the restrictions were lifted, Christina was grateful to already have the tool in place and be ready to begin recruiting again.

"We are in need of a lot of staff for both of our hotels, and the tool truly helps us quickly bring in the employees we need. It provides us with a highly accurate initial screening, which saves us a lot of time and money."

Video Shows Who is Brave

According to Christina, it is the video presentations that provide the best selection of suitable candidates, especially for roles that involve direct contact with the hotel's guests. She acknowledges that this step may deter some individuals from applying to Mornington, but believes that the benefits far outweigh the risks.

"If someone is not willing to make a video presentation, then they are not the right person for that type of role. Those who appreciate the opportunity to present themselves through video are exactly the kind of candidates we are looking for. Our employees need to be outgoing and comfortable talking to people."

However, recording a video is optional, and choosing not to do so does not mean that a candidate will be completely eliminated, Christina explains. The candidate's performance in the questionnaire, which covers both personality and previous work experience, also carries significant weight in the evaluation.

More Efficient Recruitment with Less Focus on CVs

Before Mornington started using Higher's tools, all candidates had to apply with a CV from the beginning. This resulted in a lot of documents to go through. Now, only those who pass the initial screening are asked to upload their CV to the platform.

"Previously, we could have many interviews where after five minutes, we felt that 'no, this is not the right fit for us.' With CVs and cover letters as the first selection, it was like taking a chance. Higher's tools, especially the video presentations, give us a much better sense of who the candidate really is."

The new recruitment process is not only more efficient but has also given a chance to individuals who may not excel in writing, according to Christina.

"How good someone is at writing a CV doesn't say much about how they will succeed in their role with us. Those who don't have Swedish as their first language also don't shine in writing. That's when the questionnaire and video presentations provide a much better basis. We have hired several people who would have definitely been eliminated if it had only depended on their CV."

A Trusted Recruitment Partner

With Higher, Mornington has not only gained a user-friendly digital tool for more efficient recruitment but also a trusted partner who provides suggestions for selection questions.

"They have a lot of experience in recruitment and know what questions are good to ask for different roles. They also listen to their customers and develop new features based on our needs. Nothing seems impossible. So, I am very satisfied with our collaboration and warmly recommend Higher to other employers," concludes Christina.